JR Smith Says He Let Team Down With Drug Suspension

New York Knicks guard JR Smith was handed a five-game suspension for violating the NBA’s drug policy. Smith told the media today that he feels bad about disappointing his teammates, coaches and employer with the weed bust. Per the NY Post: “‘The worst thing is I feel let my teammates down,’ Smith said Monday at Knicks Media Day. ‘I let Mr. Dolan down. I’m looking to move forward from it. As soon as I’m able to play, I’m hoping to have a good season.’ In a surprising remark, Smith contradicted the Knicks’ version of why he delayed offseason knee surgery. Smith knew he likely needed surgery on his chipped patella tendon after the season ended in mid-May, but he waited until mid-July after re-signing with the Knicks. The Knicks have said Smith wanted to see whether the injury healed, but Smith called it a ‘family decision’ and said he wanted to get his contract status resolved before undergoing surgery. Smith is rehabbing from knee surgery, and said he hopes to be ready physically for the season opener. However, he then would have to begin serving the five-game ban, meaning he likely would not debut until the season’s sixth game at the Garden against the Spurs. Mike Woodson didn’t sound happy about Smith’s drug suspension. ‘I don’t condone anything like that,’ Woodson said. ‘J.R. knows he made a major mistake. Hopefully it’ll be a learning experience.’”